What an awesome God we serve! I want to share with you an incredible moment I had with God this morning as I spent some quiet time with Him.
Let me first set the stage. I have been feeling overwhelmed by the obligations and expectations of a book launch and seminary. So far, I have read 14 books and written 14 papers. I still have another book to read and two 20-30 minute presentations to prepare before next weeks classes. I felt weary and began to question why I am even doing this. Also, I had a conference call with the publisher and felt the heavy weight of all I should be doing to prepare for my book to be released on July 30. The pressure to market and the obligation to sell 2500 books is mind-boggling.
But God is good. He reminded me that He is the one who is in control and this is His calling, not mine. A friend came by on Sunday afternoon to pray with me. He felt the Spirit leading Him to encourage me, and pray that I would experience God’s joy and strength (Nehemiah 8:10). He didn’t know what had been going on with me. What a blessing this was. But, I was still struggling. Monday was a day of negativity and hopelessness following the conference call.
Then, this morning in my quiet time, God came through with just what I needed, in not one, but three ways! First, I was reading 1 Cor. 12 and was reminded that I am part of the body of Christ and that God has given me gifts to use not for myself, but for His people. Gifts like wisdom, knowledge, discernment and teaching resonated with me. Then, I read Our Daily Bread for June 4 (yeah, I’m behind). The message was “relax.” You have the Spirit living in you that gives you peace and joy. “Let not your heart be troubled, and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27). Finally, I read Jesus Calling for Nov. 13 (I read it at random). Sarah wrote: “As you sit quietly in My Presence, your awareness of My Life within you is heightened. This produces the joy of the Lord which is your STRENGTH. ‘I, the God of hope, fill you with all JOY and PEACE as you trust in me, so that you may bubble over with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.’” (Romans 15:13)
Suddenly, I have joy and peace. Suddenly, my hope is in the Lord, not my own efforts and striving. Suddenly I have strength to accomplish what needs to be done. I begin to trust more fully in God’s direction and gifts, knowing that He will give me the knowledge, wisdom, discernment, joy, strength and peace to proceed with power. Praise be to God!
I want to challenge you. If you are one of those who doesn’t believe that God really interacts with us today, or if you have not experienced a personal, powerful relationship with Him, spend some time with Jesus. You will be amazed at how He will speak into your life the needed words for whatever you are experiencing!